HC Deb 11 May 2000 vol 349 c454W
Mr. Robert Jackson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the services which(a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies responsible to his Department (i) provide online and (ii) expect to be deliverable online by 2002. [119433]

Mr. Morley

So that the Cabinet Office can publish the spring 2000 report monitoring progress towards delivery of all Government services electronically by 2005, we are currently collecting data which will include our progress on delivering 25 per cent. of Government services electronically by 2002.

I do not want to pre-empt that report, but I can say that we currently provide a range of services electronically that includes: Application for cattle passports and notification of subsequent movements to the British Cattle Movement Service Applications for Cattle Eartag numbers from farmers via approved eartag manufacturers Date Based Export Scheme eligibility checks from approved abattoirs Submission of milk test details for the national dairy herd from contracted laboratories The CEFAS Agency is developing an interactive database to share data on live fish movements An extensive website that provides a wide range of information services to the public and to business, including the ability to download a selection of MAFF forms An electronic portal will soon be launched for farmers providing access from a single source to a wealth of information and advice available to them over the internet from Government, the NFU and business.

Further, an electronic service delivery strategy covering all our transactions is being developed in line with Government targets, and by 2002 we expect to make available electronically the following: Submission of Farm Survey forms Submission of the majority of subsidy claims for MAFF and IBEA payments Downloading of all MAFF forms Interactive capabilities on the portal to inspire Internet trade and enhance business skills in the farming community.